As people become more aware of environmental issues, coffins have been produced to cater for different requirements. Coffins constructed from willow, sea grass, wicker, cardboard or even wool offer an alternative to the more traditional timber construction. These alternative coffins can be used for both cremation and burial.

Woodland burial grounds have been established in recent years to offer a more natural setting for burial. Once the coffin is interred either a tree is planted in place of a headstone or the burial ground is left with no marker allowing the natural contours of the landscape to remain intact.